The Proxtalker is a device that is being used in schools to help children to communicate. The device is used with children who have autism, or other special needs that cause difficulty with communication. In some ways, the Proxtalker might be more useful than an iPad for children who have difficulty with small motor skills.
The company that makes and distributes the Proxtalker is based in Connecticut. It was founded in 2007, when Glen Dobbs got together with his friend Kevin Miller, in order to try and create something that could help Glen’s son, Logan, to better communicate with people. Logan has autism, and they wanted something that could increase his verbal output.
The Proxtalker device uses RFID technology. The easiest way I can describe what that is would be to say that the technology uses cards that have a form of electronic tag on them. The tags on the cards are what the Proxtalker device uses in order to identify each individual card. The cards show a word and a picture that goes along with the word.
There are five places on the device that a person can place a card on top of. A child, or a teacher or parent who is working with the child, can select the cards that are needed in order to communicate a specific thought. After the card, or cards, are placed, you can press a button to have the Proxtalker say the sound, word, or sentence.
In many ways the device can be likened to the card systems that have been used to help children who have special needs to communicate. However, the Proxtalker improves upon the basic format of the laminated paper card system in many ways. The device and the cards can easily be zippered into a carrying case, for easier mobility. It can be mounted on a wall. The cards are large enough to be seen by children who have visual impairment. Best of all, it actually speaks the words that a child wants to say, but is unable to.
Some schools have started using iPads, and the apps that go with it, instead of the Proxtalker. There are advantages and disadvantages to both devices. The Proxtalker is better suited for children who have difficulty or limited ability with fine motor skills. There are only five places to press on the Proxtalker device, and one button to push to make it talk. The buttons are larger than the ones on an iPad, less sensitive, and more durable. The Proxtalker costs $2,395 for a device with no backpack or additional accessories. The cost goes up from there.
The iPad costs around $600.00. It would cost an additional $100 to $200 dollars to load the iPad with the appropriate software. One advantage of the iPad is that there are a lot of people who create apps for this device. This could make the iPad a more flexible tool for children with special needs that cause difficulty with communication. In order to use the iPad, a child will have to have a certain amount of consistent control over his or her fine motor skills.
Image by Beverly & Pack on Flickr